President Joe Biden on Friday presented Sir Elton John with the National Humanities Medal, surprising the music icon following a performance on the South Lawn of the White House.
“I’m never flabbergasted, but I’m flabbergasted,” a visibly moved John said, thanking the President and saying that he will “treasure” the honor.
Biden said that he and first lady Jill Biden had invited John to the White House to thank him and praised the singer for his music and advocacy in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
Sir Elton John performs during an event on the South Lawn of the White House on September 23.
A fight that he has led with sheer will, a fight for those lives lost and those lives we can save.
Biden, who noted his family “like so many Americans” loves John’s music, ended the program with thanks.
“On behalf of the American people, thank you – and I sincerely mean this – for moving the soul of our nation,” he told John. »
